Troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their clampdown on crude oil theft across the Niger Delta, leading to the arrest of nine suspects and the shutdown of several illegal refining camps between April 1 and April 26, 2026.
During the operations, security forces recovered over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Several illegal refining equipment were also destroyed on site. The Army estimated the total value of the seized products at over ₦250 million.
In Rivers State, intelligence-led missions accounted for some of the biggest breakthroughs in the operation.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
He said troops intercepted an abandoned truck along the East-West Road in Ukpeye Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, after receiving credible intelligence.
The vehicle, with registration number KMC 310 ZV (Kano), was found loaded with stolen petroleum products.
According to him, “Troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted an abandoned truck at Ukpeye Community. The vehicle was loaded with about 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.”
Further operations at the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area led to the discovery of a large storage site containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Troops also uncovered another illegal refining setup stocked with more than 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. Equipment such as galvanized pipes used for siphoning crude oil was destroyed at the site.
At Ebocha in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, soldiers recovered 266 sacks containing about 17,760 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In another raid at Abessa Forest in Ahoada West, troops discovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks containing over 3,000 litres of crude oil, all of which were destroyed alongside waste pits used for refining activities.
In Abua/Odual Local Government Area, near Okolomade, troops recovered 30 sacks with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
Similar operations were also carried out in other states. In Delta State, troops uncovered a tapping point at Obazogbe Community in Ethiope Local Government Area, where a storage pit contained more than 2,700 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In Akwa Ibom State, at Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, soldiers recovered 45 bags of illegally refined AGO estimated at about 1,350 litres after suspects fled the scene.
The Army also confirmed ongoing operations in Bayelsa State, where troops continue to block illegal oil theft activities.
The General Officer Commanding of the 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, praised the troops for their efforts and urged them to maintain pressure on criminal networks.
He said the troops’ resilience is commendable and directed them to sustain operations against oil thieves and economic saboteurs across the Niger Delta region.